Universities have control

Waterloo Region Record

Re: Profs drop boycott threat over academic freedom — Nov. 27

This article leaves a misleading impression.

While correctly reporting that the Canadian Association of University Teachers withdrew its consideration of censure of Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo, the article gives the impression that nothing had changed. That is simply not the case.

The matter was resolved because the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and the two universities signed a memorandum of understanding that made clear that the universities would have sole control of all academic matters. For example, the memorandum of understanding says, “None of CIGI, BSIA (Balsillie School of International Affairs), the BSIA board and the director has authority over any academic matter whatsoever in connection with (the Balsillie School’s) academic programs.”

It also specifies that the Balsillie School director “has no role whatsoever in any academic matter related to any program offered by either university, including no decisive role in the appointment of faculty and chairs and selection of students.”

It clarifies the role of the Balsillie School board, which “oversees management of (Balsillie School) functions other than academic matters and has final authority over its non-academic budget and operations.”

Based on these assurances about the exclusive control of all things academic by the two universities, the Canadian Association of University Teachers withdrew consideration of censure.